A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Fethiye vs. San Sebastian for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Fethiye or San Sebastian?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Fethiye or San Sebastian? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Fethiye or San Sebastian?

Fethiye

Fethiye is a tourist town in Lycia on the Mediterranean coast. It has a beautiful marina and plenty of activities during the day or night. Fethiye's size, location, and easy access to transportation make it a great central starting point to explore the area. It's also a popular place to pick up the "Blue Cruise," a popular boat tour along the Mediterranean coast.

San Sebastian

San Sebastián is a city in northern Spain very well known for its summertime fun in the sun. While the streets are cool and happening at night, they take on a different charm by day. Beautiful beaches line the city's edge, right next to elegant historic architecture and churches, topping charts as some of the best city beaches in Europe. The food, too, is said to be some of the best with traditional Basque cuisine as well as the popular pintxo (tapas) bites. San Sebastián is a place of lively culture, teeming with beauty, flavors, and colors.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, San Sebastian or Fethiye?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Fethiye is $109, while the average daily cost in San Sebastian is $96. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Fethiye and San Sebastian in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Fethiye $48
    San Sebastian $43
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Fethiye $96
    San Sebastian $86
Compare Hotels in Fethiye and San Sebastian

Looking for a hotel in Fethiye or San Sebastian? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Fethiye


Hotels in San Sebastian


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Fethiye Hotel Prices and San Sebastian Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Fethiye $34
    San Sebastian $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Fethiye

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Fethiye are as follows:


  • Local Bus
    $0.26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fethiye

Also for Fethiye, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Fethiye to Dalaman International Airport (DLM) - Departure Private Transfer: $26
  • Private Departure Transfer: Fethiye Hotels to Dalaman Airport: $28
  • Fethiye to Dalaman Airport (DLM) - Departure Private Transfer: $30
  • Fethiye Jeep Safari With Free Hotel Transfer and Lunch: $35
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Dalaman Airport to Fethiye Hotels: $38
  • Fethiye 12 Islands Boat Trip With Free Hotel Transfer & Lunch: $38
  • Fethiye Horse Riding Experience With Free Hotel Transfer Service: $40
  • From Ferry Transfer to Rhodes: $43
  • From Island Sailing Trip with Transfer and Lunch: $45
  • Fethiye Quad Safari Experience (Adventure Tour) w/ Hotel Transfer: $45
  • Private Departure Transfer: Fethiye, Oludeniz Region Hotels to Dalaman Airport: $47
  • From Quad Bike Adventure with Transfers: $48

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Sebastian

Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Sebastian:

  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian to Vitoria: $291
  • San Sebastián-Bilbao city or airport private transfer: $273
  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to Bilbao Airport: $268
  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian to Bilbao: $268
  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian Airport to Pamplona city: $247
  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to Pamplona Airport : $245
  • Private Transfer from the Airport to San Sebastian City: $84

Is it cheaper to fly into Fethiye or San Sebastian?

Prices for flights to both San Sebastian and Fethiye change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Fethiye $35
    San Sebastian $33
Typical Food Prices in Fethiye

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Fethiye:


  • Fruit
    $0.22
  • Soda
    $0.09

Typical Food Prices in San Sebastian

Some typical examples of dining costs in San Sebastian are as follows:


  • Dinner for 2
    $59
  • Lunch for 2
    $11
  • Lunch for 2
    $34

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Sebastian

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in San Sebastian.

  • San Sebastian Walking and Food Tour: $104
  • Insider Best Culinary Gems Guided Food Tour in San Sebastian: $109
  • Basque Cuisine Cooking Class with Market Visit: $148
  • Full Day San Sebastian Food Tour : $150
  • I travel for Food Tour in San Sebastian: $152
  • Authentic Basque Cooking Class in the Old Town: $152
  • Private San Sebastian Walking Food Tour: $158
  • Michelin Star Secrets Cooking Class in San Sebastian: $213
  • Food tour in San Sebastian and Visit to a Gastronomical Club: $224
  • History and flavors of San Sebastian for Dinner with Eskerne Falcón: $235

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Fethiye $38
    San Sebastian $36
Typical Entertainment Prices in Fethiye

For Fethiye, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Paragliding
    $7.42
  • Gorge Walk entry and photo
    $0.17

Tours and Activities in Fethiye

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Fethiye.

  • Quad Safari Adventure from Fethiye: $24
  • Full-Day Jeep Tour w/ Saklikent Visit & Lunch: $26
  • Fethiye Jeep Safari Tour: $28
  • Turkish Bath Experience in Fethiye: $28
  • Tlos, Yakapark and Countryside Highlights Jeep Tour: $29
  • 7-HourJeep Safari Adventure in Fethiye Turkey: $31
  • Turkish Bath Experience in Fethiye : $33
  • Fethiye Horse Riding Experience: $38
  • Full-Day Boat Tour in Fethiye Islands: $38
  • Private & Sharing Boat Tours from Fethiye: $38
  • Jeep Safari Tour to Tlos Ruins & Yakapark with BBQ: $40
  • Food Market and Kayakoy "Ghost Town" Tour from Fethiye: $40

Typical Entertainment Prices in San Sebastian

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in San Sebastian are as follows:


  • Valle de los Caídos Monument
    $6.43

Tours and Activities in San Sebastian

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for San Sebastian are as follows:

  • Biarritz & La Côte Basque Private tour: $246
  • Biarritz and French Coast Small Grop Tour from San Sebastian: $86
  • Bilbao city and Guggenheim Museum small group tour: $164
  • Chef-Led Market Tour & Pintxo Lunch: $163
  • Chef-Led Walking Pintxo Tour of San Sebastián : $272
  • Cider House Experience From San Sebastian: $120
  • City tour, bike ride: $45
  • City tour, by electric bicycle: $50
  • Coastal "Winery Camino Trail" Walking Tour from San Sebastian: $186
  • Electric scooter city tour: $45
  • Evening Pintxo-Tapas Tour with Discover San Sebastian: $191
  • Exclusive Private Pintxos Adventure with Premium Spanish Wines": $175

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Fethiye $17
    San Sebastian $21

Sample the Local Flavors in San Sebastian

Also in San Sebastian, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Ultimate San Sebastian Pintxos & Wine Tour (Evening): $141
  • Getaria Txakoli Wine Tour with Hotel Pick-up from San Sebastian: $148
  • Best quality food & wine tasting tour in San Sebastian. : $191
  • Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries Visit with Tasting from San Sebastian: $240
  • Rioja Wine Tour: Winery, Tasting & Lunch from San Sebastian: $251
  • Full Rioja Wine Tour with Lunch from San Sebastian Private Tour: $298


When comparing the travel costs between Fethiye and San Sebastian, we can see that Fethiye is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Fethiye Expensive? and Is San Sebastian Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Fethiye or San Sebastian?

San Sebastian has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Fethiye. When comparing the sizes of Fethiye and San Sebastian, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Fethiye or San Sebastian?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Fethiye or San Sebastian in the Summer?

Both San Sebastian and Fethiye during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to San Sebastian in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Fethiye is a little warmer than San Sebastian. Typically, the summer temperatures in Fethiye in July average around 28°C (82°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 20°C (68°F).

In San Sebastian, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Fethiye. In the summer, Fethiye often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Fethiye gets 385 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 209 hours of full sun.

Fethiye usually gets less rain in July than San Sebastian. Fethiye gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Fethiye 28°C (82°F) 
    San Sebastian 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Fethiye or San Sebastian in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Fethiye and San Sebastian. Furthermore, most visitors come to San Sebastian for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Fethiye is generally a little warmer than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Fethiye average around 20°C (68°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In Fethiye, it's very sunny this time of the year. Fethiye usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during autumn. Fethiye gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

San Sebastian receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Fethiye usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Fethiye gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Fethiye 20°C (68°F) 
    San Sebastian 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Fethiye or San Sebastian in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Fethiye as well as San Sebastian. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Fethiye is a little warmer than San Sebastian in the winter. The daily temperature in Fethiye averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Fethiye often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Fethiye gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 85 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in San Sebastian. Fethiye receives a lot of rain in the winter. Fethiye usually gets less rain in January than San Sebastian. Fethiye gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Fethiye 10°C (50°F) 
    San Sebastian 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Fethiye or San Sebastian in the Spring?

Both San Sebastian and Fethiye are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches are the main draw to San Sebastian this time of year.

In the spring, Fethiye is a little warmer than San Sebastian. Typically, the spring temperatures in Fethiye in April average around 16°C (61°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fethiye. Fethiye usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during spring. Fethiye gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. In April, Fethiye usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Fethiye gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Fethiye 16°C (61°F) 
    San Sebastian 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for San Sebastian and Fethiye

Fethiye San Sebastian
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 8°C (47°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Feb 11°C (52°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 9°C (49°F) 147 mm (5.8 in)
Mar 13°C (55°F) 77 mm (3 in) 10°C (51°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 9°C (49°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)